Steve Petty says cattle stations in the Victoria River District are well placed to boost herd productivity

Carmen Brown

It has been a tough few years for the northern beef industry, but experts say the time is now right for producers to pull out their cheque books and invest in strategies which boost herd productivity.

Two reviews of the northern cattle industry, both commissioned by Meat and Livestock Australia, have found a continuing decline in profitability across the sector due to increasing production costs and rising debt levels.

Director of the Northern Development Company Dr Steve Petty says although operating conditions are difficult, many stations have significant opportunity to off-set costs by increasing productivity.

Scale is a critical factor for the industry in this region

Dr Steve Petty, Northern Development Company

"If you look at the levels of productivity being achieved, branding percentages are around 55 per cent, but there is potential to take them up to around the low 80s," he said.

"So there's a massive opportunity there.

"It's been difficult to do in the past because with the prices producers have been getting, there's not a lot of surplus money to re-invest back in.

"But now with the live export market a bit stronger, I think income for pastoral properties is going to improve and there's opportunity to re-invest that money and push productivity up."

Speaking at the Kidman Springs field day near Timber Creek in the Northern Territory, Dr Petty said pastoralists in the Victoria River District were well-placed to generate extra income through basic management changes.

"There's two areas. One is herd management. So that would be getting a vet in to pregnancy test the herd, identify the free-loaders and get rid of them," he said.

"And putting phosphorous supplementation in strategically, through to weaning twice a year, down to as light-a-weight as is realistic for your country.

"So that's all the production issues. On the other side, identify parts of the property that aren't fully developed. Put additional waters in and make yourself bigger.

"Scale is a critical factor for the industry in this region. So if you can carry more cattle on your property sustainably, you'll make more money."